Boudhanath Stupa
बौद्धनाथ (खास्ती चैत्य)
Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Kathmandu, Bagmati Province
Overview
Boudhanath is a colossal mandala-shaped stupa in the north-east of Kathmandu. Surrounded by monasteries and a vibrant community of Tibetan and Himalayan Buddhists, it is a place of constant circumambulation, prayer flags and butter lamps.
Historical background
Tradition links the stupa to the Lichhavi period (around the 5th–7th century). It gained renewed importance after the 1959 Tibetan exodus, when many refugees settled around it and founded gompas. The stupa was repaired and reconsecrated in 2016 after the 2015 earthquake cracked its spire.
Cultural significance
Boudhanath is the spiritual hub of Nepal's Tibetan Buddhist community and a major pilgrimage site on the historic trade route between Kathmandu and Tibet.
Architectural details
The stupa rises from a three-level mandala plinth to a vast white dome, above which the gilded harmika displays the Buddha's eyes on all four sides. Its 13-step spire represents the path to nirvana, ringed by 108 niches and prayer wheels at the base.
Condition & conservation
Current condition: Excellent; fully restored and reconsecrated in 2016
Maintained largely by the Boudhanath Area Development Committee and the surrounding monastic community.
3D model coming soon
A 3D Gaussian Splat capture of Boudhanath Stupa is planned. Our reference capture of the Chandeswori Temple is available in the viewer today.
See the reference 3D modelGallery
References
- UNESCO — Kathmandu Valley· UNESCO
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